Wildlife Removal Company

Squirrels are among the most common—and often the most entertaining—wildlife seen in neighborhoods, parks, and forests. These agile acrobats of the animal kingdom captivate us with their playful antics and ability to navigate trees with remarkable precision. But what happens when these bushy-tailed creatures decide to make your home their home? Let’s dive into the world of squirrels, explore their habitats and lifestyles, and discover what you can do if they start setting up shop in your attic.

A Peek into Squirrel Habitats and Lifestyles

Squirrels belong to the Sciuridae family, which includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels, flying squirrels, and chipmunks. Each type of squirrel has unique habitat preferences:

• Tree Squirrels: The most common type seen in urban and suburban areas, tree squirrels prefer habitats with plenty of trees, such as forests, parks, and neighborhoods. They make their homes (called dreys) in tree cavities or build nests using twigs and leaves high in the branches.

• Ground Squirrels: These squirrels, like prairie dogs and marmots, prefer open areas like fields, grasslands, and gardens. They dig extensive burrow systems underground for shelter, storage, and hibernation.

• Flying Squirrels: Unlike their name suggests, flying squirrels don’t actually fly—they glide! They prefer dense forests where they can glide between trees using a flap of skin between their front and hind legs. They usually make nests in tree holes or abandoned woodpecker cavities.

Regardless of the type, squirrels are highly adaptable and can thrive in various environments, including both rural and urban settings. They are excellent foragers and rely on a diet of nuts, seeds, fruits, and insects. Squirrels are also notorious for storing food for the winter, hiding it in secret caches throughout their territory.

How Squirrels Live: Social Dynamics and Survival Skills

Squirrels are typically solitary creatures, except during mating season or when raising young. They are highly territorial and use scent markings, tail flicking, and vocalizations to communicate and defend their space. They are also incredibly intelligent and have been known to solve complex problems, such as navigating bird feeders or finding hidden food caches.

• Nesting Habits: Squirrels build their nests in high places to protect themselves from predators. In addition to their nests, squirrels often have multiple “backup” nests or dreys, which they can quickly move to if one is threatened.

• Foraging and Food Storage: Squirrels have exceptional memories and often bury nuts and seeds for later consumption. They use a technique called “scatter hoarding,” where they hide food in various locations to reduce the chance that other animals will find it all. They rely on both memory and an incredible sense of smell to locate their buried treasures, even months later.

• Predators and Defense Mechanisms: Squirrels face many predators, including hawks, owls, snakes, and foxes. They rely on their agility, speed, and quick reflexes to evade danger. Their bushy tails also serve as a balancing tool and a signaling device to warn other squirrels of nearby threats.

What to Do If Squirrels Are Entering Your Home

While squirrels are fascinating to observe, they can become problematic if they find their way into your home. Attics, walls, and crawl spaces can seem like perfect nesting spots, especially during colder months or when females are preparing to give birth. Here’s what to do if you suspect squirrels are moving in:

1. Listen and Look for Signs: If you hear scratching, scampering, or gnawing sounds, especially during the daytime, it could be squirrels. Look for signs like droppings, chewed wires, or insulation scattered in your attic.

2. Find Entry Points: Squirrels can squeeze through small openings, so inspect your home’s exterior for gaps, holes, or damaged vents, soffits, or eaves. Pay close attention to areas around the roof, as squirrels are excellent climbers.

3. Seal Entry Points: Once you’ve identified how they’re getting in, it’s crucial to seal up these entry points. However, ensure the squirrels have vacated before sealing—especially if there may be a nest of young inside. Use metal mesh or heavy-duty materials that squirrels cannot chew through.

4. Consider Humane Trapping and Relocation: If squirrels are already inside, consider using humane traps to capture and relocate them. Professional wildlife removal services can ensure this is done safely and effectively, following local laws and regulations.

5. Remove Food Sources: Keep bird feeders away from your house, secure trash bins with tight lids, and avoid leaving pet food outside. Reducing accessible food will make your home less attractive to squirrels.

6. Install Squirrel-Proof Barriers: Consider installing chimney caps, vent screens, and tree barriers to prevent future entry. Regularly trim tree branches away from your roof to eliminate easy access points.

Fun Facts About Squirrels: Did You Know?

• Squirrel Teeth Never Stop Growing: Squirrels’ teeth grow continuously throughout their lives. This is why they need to chew constantly to keep their teeth from growing too long.

• They Can Fall From Great Heights: Squirrels are excellent at surviving falls. Thanks to their light bodies, bushy tails, and ability to spread their limbs to slow their descent, squirrels can survive falls from heights of up to 100 feet.

• They Have Incredible Memories: Squirrels can remember the locations of thousands of buried nuts. They use landmarks and spatial memory to retrieve their hidden food stores.

• Squirrels Communicate with Their Tails: A squirrel’s tail is a multipurpose tool—it serves as a balancing aid, a signal flag to communicate with other squirrels, and even a blanket to keep warm.

• Squirrels Are Surprisingly Fast: A typical squirrel can run up to 20 miles per hour, allowing them to quickly escape predators and navigate their environment with ease.

Final Thoughts: Living in Harmony with Squirrels

Squirrels are a vital part of our ecosystem, helping to plant trees by forgetting some of the nuts they bury and providing a food source for predators. While they’re fascinating to watch, it’s best to keep them outdoors where they belong. If you suspect a squirrel problem in your home, act quickly to prevent potential damage and health risks. With the right approach, you can enjoy these energetic creatures from a distance without inviting them into your attic!